Just as the old adage says, “Like father, like son,” or “A mango fruit does not fall far from the tree,” the same situation seems to apply to former Kakamega County Senator and now DCP interim deputy party leader Cleophas Malala’s son, Leon Major Malala.

Leon’s first public appearance

Little was known about him until his father was arrested on April 10, 2025, over his controversial Echoes of War play. Malala had scripted the play himself, and it was supposed to be staged by Butere Girls, only for the plan to be frustrated at the last minute.

The girls refused to proceed in Nakuru, demanding the release of their director before they could continue, leading to a back-and-forth with the police.

It was then that Malala’s son came out with a group of Gen Zs, carrying placards to address the issue. This was the first time he hit the limelight. From his looks, strikingly similar to his father’s, to his speech, gestures, body language, and even hairstyle, he appeared almost like Cleophas Malala’s younger brother.

He went ahead to condemn the arrest and demanded his father’s release. One could easily tell that he is a future politician, seemingly stepping into his father’s shoes.

Cleophas Malala himself has had a long political journey, having first served as an MCA for one term, then as a senator, before unsuccessfully contesting the gubernatorial seat against his then opponent and current Kakamega Governor, Fernandez Barasa.

During his presser with a handful of Gen Zs, Leon delivered a moving speech demanding his father’s release, who was then detained in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County. One could almost conclude that arresting Cleophas Malala had awakened his son’s political fire.

“Comrades’ power, comrades viva! Today I stand here with frustration, agony, and bitterness. My father, Cleophas Wakhungu Malala, a writer, a patriot, and a leader in this country, has been arrested just because of writing a play. A play performed by young girls, a play that is about the challenges we, the Gen Zs, are facing. With all due respect, Mr President, where is the freedom of expression in this country? Do not frustrate my dad. Release him!” he said.

Birthday speech with political undertones

The next time Leon appeared publicly was during his father’s birthday party on Monday, June 30, 2025, a private event with only a few people in attendance.

They appeared in matching outfits, all wearing the same smiles, dimples pressing into their cheeks. Once again, Leon delivered a profound speech that left the small crowd in a frenzy, taking a political stance similar to his father’s and boldly declaring that the current president would only serve one term.

 “I don’t know if I am the firstborn, but I am as sure as Ruto is a one-term president that I am the president. I congratulate you, Dad; you are my hero, my mentor. But this is the only time I can advise you: sasa wewe umefika 40, kazi yako itakuwa ni kuenda nyumbani. Na gazeti, hii ground ya Nairobi ni yetu,” he said.

Political family tradition

Many politicians, as they approach their sunset years, tend to bring up their children to take over where they leave off. Others see one family member rise naturally to fit into their shoes. Malala appears to be no exception. We have seen this trend before: beginning with the first family, Uhuru Kenyatta rose under Moi’s mentorship; when former President Moi was leaving the stage, his sons Jonathan and Gideon Moi stepped forward; Kibaki’s son Jimmy tried to emerge, though his prominence was limited; and even Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka have been linked to grooming successors within their families.

Conclusion

Leon Major Malala’s sudden rise to the public stage may have been triggered by his father’s arrest, but his words, confidence, and charisma suggest that his political journey is only beginning. Whether by choice or by circumstance, he seems ready to carry his father’s legacy forward.

In a country where political dynasties are not new, Leon’s emergence adds yet another name to the list of young heirs stepping into the political spotlight. If his recent appearances are anything to go by, Kenya may soon have to get used to another Malala name dominating the national conversation.